THE BLACK BEAK. 
159 
prevailing colour of which is 
^ blackish brown ; but there is a considerable 
^lety of colour in different individuals of this 
jl'^cies, according to the countries which they 
’^abit. The variety called the American 
which is spread over the northern parts 
the New World, is of smaller size, black, 
rusty cheeks and throat. 
1'he bear is a wild, solitary, and ferocious 
'‘^'tiial : he fixes his abode in the most unfre- 
J'^ented deserts, and makes his den 
^ f iTiost inaccessible precipices in the luoua- 
>as. Por this purpose he commonly seeks 
Some natural cavern, or a large hollow 
. "which it is not difficult to find in the 
j^tuense forests of the northern regions. 
*fher he retires about the end of autumn, 
Wn 
>en be is generally very fat, and' here he 
. ^ains during the winter, in a state of total 
ctivity and abstinence from food ; not tor- 
*^5 like some other animals, but subsisting 
among 
